missionary heroes
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Working as a missionary to the poor, Br. Giovanni Reid, OFM, has learned one thing. Helping people is not as easy as you would think. There are guidelines, procedures and bureaucracies that can frustrate even the most well-intentioned Samaritan. Gio’s early ministries in the Southwest and in Africa gave him a unique perspective on poverty and on those who struggle to stay afloat. “Most of us are one paycheck away from being poor,” says Gio, who since 1998 has been Executive Director of the Christian Service Program in Shreveport, La. Poor people have to make choices, “maybe eat one day or use the money for bus fare to work. The poor don’t really want handouts. They want a hand up.” In Shreveport Gio coordinates two homeless shelters, a Hospitality House that feeds hundreds daily, and Samaritan Homes for those moving toward independence. An ongoing reliance on donations – a telethon is a big part of the budget – has thrust this soft-spoken friar into the regional limelight. Whenever he feels overwhelmed by the scope and complexity of his job, Gio will stop and ask himself, “How would [St.] Francis do that? I just try to walk in his footsteps.”
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stanthony.org
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Post a prayer request,
send a St. Anthony e-card,
or read about the life and
prayers of St. Anthony.
And become a partner in
the work of the Franciscans by donating to
St. Anthony Bread at
www.stanthony.org.
Subscribe to St. Anthony’s Breadbasket—e-news
from Br. Brian P. Maloney, OFM
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Introduction
Dear Visitor,
Welcome! Now that the Dog Days of summer are behind us, I hope the cooler weather will give us all some relief. I do hope you had a good summer. Thanks for stopping by our website. Enjoy!
Friars Works / Franciscan Ministry and Mission is the office that generates charitable gifts that support our ministries and missions, our infirm and retired friars and our men in formation. The support of benefactors enables us to do some really good work.
Blessings always,
Br. Brian P. Maloney, OFM
Director, Friar Works/Franciscan
Ministry & Mission
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Fr. Hilarion Kistner, OFM – Anything but Retired!
At age 81, most people sit back, relax and enjoy their days of retirement. It is just the opposite for Fr. Hilarion Kistner, OFM, a very energetic and busy friar who still works hard in spreading the Gospel of Jesus through many ministries.
In 1970, Hilarion got involved as a Scripture exegete in Sunday Homily Helps, a product of St. Anthony Messenger Press (SAMP). In 1986, he was appointed editor of Sunday Homily Helps, and he continues to work tirelessly for SAMP in various capacities. He checks various publications for doctrinal orthodoxy and will occasionally act as a censor of books. He continues to stay active with Sunday Homily Helps and when asked, he will answer questions for Franciscan radio.
On weekends, Hilarion celebrates Mass at St. Stephen’s Parish in Cincinnati. Once a month he has Mass at Eastgate Nursing Home and visits the sick. He has also become an active volunteer once a week at Our Daily Bread, a local soup kitchen here in Cincinnati, where he buses tables after the noon meal.
Hilarion considers himself semi-retired, but when you consider all the work he does in a week, you wonder what he means by “retired.” For relaxation he roots for the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals, Xavier basketball and the University of Cincinnati basketball and football teams. Though he claims no expertise, he spends a few minutes on weekends playing the violin.
His health is quite good. The main setback in recent years was a stroke that has affected his left peripheral vision. Doctors have forbidden him to drive. Fortunately, generous friars and lay people are willing to take him where he needs to go.
Fr. Hilarion told me that he finds his greatest joy in celebrating the Eucharist. We thank you, Hilarion, for your faithful service to the Church and for the efforts of evangelizing that you are so arduously committed to in bringing the message of the Gospel to many men and women.
May the Lord continue to bless you with good health! We are proud of all of your efforts!
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